What is a PNF Plan?
In NSW, Private Native Forest (PNF) is regulated under Part 5B of the Local Land Services Act 2013. Before undertaking private native forest, landholders must obtain an approved Private Native Forestry Plan (PNF Plan) from Local Land Services (LLS).
Compliance with Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice
As well as having an approved PNF Plan, private native forestry operations in NSW must comply with the relevant Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice (PNF Codes). The Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice are statutory documents that guide private native forest operations in NSW. They set minimum standards for harvesting forests in line with ecologically sustainable forest management and provide specific requirements for environmental protection.
There are four PNF Codes in NSW which are tailored to specific regions and forest types across NSW, including:
- Northern NSW
- Southern NSW
- River Red Gum Forest; and
- Cypress and Western Hardwood Forests.
Why do I need a Private Native Forestry (PNF) Plan?
A PNF Plan outlines your responsibilities under the relevant Private Native Forestry Code of Practice and allows you to conduct a forestry operation with minimal impact on the environment (such as rainforest, old-growth forest, threatened species habitat and drainage features). It is valid for up to 15 years.
View the Local Land Services PNF Information Pack for further details.
How do I get a PNF Plan?
Sustainable Forest Management can take care of this process for you as a part of our complimentary service.
Approval is typically a two-stage process. Firstly, we apply for a Draft Private Native Forestry Plan on your behalf. Then Local Land Services perform several searches, including ownership; Threatened species; Indicative Threatened Ecological Communities; Wetlands; Old growth and Rainforest mapping; Aboriginal Cultural Heritage; Heritage Sites; Conservation Agreements; and Local Council zoning under the Local Environment Plans. Once the PNF Plan has been approved, we work with you and one of our Sustainable Forest Management contractors to plan the forestry operation for your property. This involves the production of a Forest Management Plan (FMP) and this too is completed and submitted to the Local Land Services by our team.
If you are wanting to get started now, simply provide authority for us to apply on your behalf by reading, completing, signing and returning the Draft Private Native Forestry Plan.
What is a Forest Management Plan?
A Forest Management Plan (FMP) describes the proposed forestry operations within your approved PNF Plan area.
The Forest Management Plan map, template and guidelines will be provided by Local Land Services after your PNF Plan is approved, and prior to the commencement of the forestry operation.
Before completing your Forest Management Plan for approval, we ensure that we know your region or forest type, amongst several other attributes, as this assists in creating a good working plan that considers the environmental and operating conditions.
The Forest Management Plan includes mapping and written information describing the forest and proposed harvest and management activities. Once completed we submit the completed FMP to Local Land Services for approval.
A signed copy of the Forest Management Plan must always be available on-site during forestry operations.
Who is responsible for the PNF plan?
Local Land Services manage the entire application and approval process for PNF Plan’s. The Environmental Protection Agency regulate native forestry operations on both public and private land in NSW. Their compliance program aims to protect the environment while enabling the sustainable supply of native timber.
Where do I start?
If you are considering harvesting your timber, need a hand with a PNF Plan (Logging Approval), or just want some advice on what is best for your forest, contact us today at 1300 367 378. Alternatively, use our contact form. We’d love to hear from you.
Find out more about our sustainable forest management services and how we can help you sustain a productive forest with minimal impact on the environment.
